The American Right of Way Associates (ARWA) will hold its first training workshop this weekend to arm workers in the oil and gas industry to ensure that access rights for new pipelines needed for the Haynesville shale project are secured.

In a statement, the group said that there is a lucrative career in the oil and gas industry for skilled ARWA workers, with agents in the area typically earning between $45,000 (£32,496) and $90,000 a year.

"We have had successful training classes in the Barnett shale for over three years and truly believe we can match that success in the Haynesville shale," commented Don Valden, chief executive officer of ARWA.

He added that the group has helped dozens of local workers gain access to the oil and gas industry by contributing to a meritocratic hiring process based solely on identifying the requisite skills for a position.

The group has more than 27 years experience in securing access grants for the oil and gas industry and has worked on the Barnett shale project for five years.

5th Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Exploration and Production